Vijayawada: The TD, which withdrew from the Union government but is part of the NDA, is having problems with this ‘live-in’ relationship. The party would not tolerate the BJP anymore, Mr Naidu said, and decided to intensify the protests until justice was done. Issues are cropping up for the TD in its relationship with BJP where the two jointly fought and won the 2014 general elections. Though the TD withdrew from NDA government with the resignation of its two minister but continues as an ally in the NDA, there is no observable change in BJP’s attitude. On the contrary, it is ignoring the TD more.
Mr Goyal, despite giving appointment to TD MPs, did not meet them and instead had a meeting with YSRC members which is seen as a snub to TD. Other Union ministers too have been cold-shouldering TD members, resulting in the decision to send a clear message through intensified protests. The escalated Polavaram project cost estimates were accepted in principle by the Centre, but had not been approved so far. It was near impossible to complete the project by 2019.
On Wednesday, the CM directed MPs to demand that the Centre review AP Reorganisation Act commitments and their implementation. He wanted the echo of the protest to be heard in the State Assembly and Council and felt that the Opposition’s Assembly boycott was a ‘historical mistake’.
State making efforts to empower women: CM
The Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the state government is making many efforts for women empowerment in the state. The government has initiated Amma Ku Vandanam programme along with Amma Amruthahastham, Talli Bidda Express and others. While participating in a short discussion in the Assembly on women empowerment, on Wednesday, Mr Naidu elaborated on these welfare schemes.
The Chief Minister lauded the strength of DWCRA women. He said the AP Self Help Groups had created history and had become very strong laying the foundation for other states. He mentioned giving Rs 2,000 per woman under Pasupu scheme. He said it is the responsibility of MLAs to develop constituencies with no poverty in the state, and wished for Rs 10,000 income to every household per month. He mentioned gifting cash of Rs 40,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 35,000 to SC, ST, minority and BC women respectively.
The Chief Minister also mentioned providing pensions of 46 lakhs, under social security which will be increased in future. Families that used power below 70 units would be given free of charge. Before that in question hour interesting discussions on AP Reorganisation Act commitments was nerves between finance minister Yanamala Rama Krishnudu and BJP leader Vishnu Kumar Raju. Mr Yanamala had objected Vishnu Kumar Raju saying the state government accepted Rs 2.17 lakh crore worth development activities happened in the state.
